Jason Solanki
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Reviews (3247)
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Wine lover since 2001! My interest in wine began while touring the factory where they printed the LCBO VINTAGES magazine.
Over time, my passion for wine grew. Now, I am highly regarded by friends and colleagues as a resource for when they need a wine for that special occasion, be it an anniversary, birthday, wedding, gatherings at home, or when they want to impress their special friend or the In-Laws.
Combining my interest in the Internet/web/computers, you can find me at https://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com where you will find more wine reviews, events and contests.
Reviews
Ornellaia 2014, Doc Bolgheri Superiore
Tuscany, Italy$239.95
Blend of 34% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, and 20% Petit Verdot. The medium+ intensity nose feels a bit shy but offers dark currant, cherry, raspberry, oak spices, forest floor, and cassis in a ripe profile. It's full-bodied with smooth, refined tannins that are a touch grippy. It's big and structured with a warm mid-palate. Lovely aromas replays. Mouth-watering acids. Well-balanced overall and excellent finish length. A beauty to drink over the next 20 years. Tasted Oct/2017.
4.5 Stars
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Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia Single Vineyard Malbec 2012, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$39.95
The medium-high intensity nose is elegant, refined and complex with lovely floral, violet, sweet vanillan oak, clove, blackberry and dark berry aromas. It's full-bodied on the palate with lovely aroma replays supported by structured tannins that are smooth, refined and have a velvety mouthfeel. Acids are very good and the finish length is excellent. Tasted Sept/2017.
4.5 Stars
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Chãteau De Beaucastel Chãteauneuf Du Pape 2017, Ac, France
Rhône, France$93.95
A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, and the balance other varietals, the nose needs some coaxing to reveal black spice, dark berry, plum, garrigue, flinty mineral, and pepper spice aromas, with much of the same on the palate. It is full-bodied, dense, thick, and richly concentrated with firm, grippy tannins and a long, mouth-watering finish. A big wine that needs 3-4 years of cellar time and should drink well over next 20+ years. Tasted Oct/2019.
4.5 Stars
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Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2015, Barolo
Piedmont, Italy$59.95
Fragrant and elegant aromas of cherry, floral, anise, and wild berry notes. It is full-bodied with good fruit and density, well-managed, finely-grained tannins and lovely aroma replays along with crushed raspberry flavours. Nicely balanced throughout with fresh acidity and hints of mineral and licorice on the long finish. Tasted Nov/2019.
4.5 Stars
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Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley
California, Usa$74.95
Highly aromatic with a complex array of peppery, red and blackberry, currant, cassis, and hints of graphite aromas. It's medium-full bodied, lean, and structured on the palate with very nicely balanced aroma replays. Fresh acids are nicely balanced. Elegant, firm tannins. Long, peppery finish. Enjoy over the next decade. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Tasted Oct/2018.
4.5 Stars
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Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2018, Wo Hemel En Aarde Valley
Walker Bay, South Africa$59.95
The medium-high intensity nose seems shy, but offers dark berry, black cherry, black currant, black plum, orange rind, and limestone mineral aromas. It's medium-full bodied and quite structured with smooth, polished tannins that have some grip. Very nice aroma replays on the flavour profile, plus some blueberry and mulberry notes joining the party. A touch tart fruited on the mid-palate. Finish is long and juicy. Best after 2-3 years ageing. Tasted Nov/2019.
4.5 Stars
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La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2009, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$59.95
Highly aromatic with earthy, wood spice, and savoury aromas. It is medium-full bodied on the palate with mature, savoury characters along with leather, earthy and hints of dried berry and floral notes. It has very good acidity while tannins are a touch grippy and the finish length is excellent. Enjoy over the next 6-7 years. 80/20 Tempranillo and Garnacha. Tasted Sept/2019.
4.5 Stars
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Les Cailloux Châteauneuf Du Pape 2016, Ac
Rhône, France$65.95
A blend of 70% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault, this has appealing, fragrant aromas of dark red cherries mingle with mineral and all kinds of complex spices. The full-bodied palate had structured fruit, firm tannins, fresh acids, and flavourful with very nice aroma replays. Excellent length on the finish, if a touch warming. Enjoy over the next 10-15 years. Tasted Jan/2020. Score: 92+ pts
4.5 Stars
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Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut Champagne 2012, Ac
Champagne, France$95.95
Aged 5+ years, this blend of 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 26% Pinot Meunier has intense aromatics featuring complex savoury, leesy, earthy, pastry, brioche, and lightly toasty aromas with some maturity. It is medium-bodied with a crisp, finely textured mouthfeel. Lemony acids with tangy, grapefruit notes brighten the palate. Well-balanced throughout with a long, fruity finish. Tasted Nov/2019.
4.5 Stars
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Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
California, Usa$124.95
Lovely, fairly intense nose of herbs, dark and red fruits, currant, oak spice, and cassis. The full-bodied is structured and elegant with gritty tannins that have some grip, but are otherwise well-integrated. Pleasing aroma replays on the flavour profile with juicy, mouth-watering acids. Excellent length on the spiced finish. Approachable now, but should age gracefully over the next 15+ years. Tasted Oct/2019.
4.5 Stars
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